IP Library Granted Patent US 12,199,560
Granted Patent B2
US 12,199,560 · App. 18/485,263 · Granted Jan 14, 2025

Bracket for connection of a junction box to photovoltaic panels

Inventors: Vadim Shmukler (Rishon-Lezion, IL); Lior Handelsman (Givatayim, IL); Nir Armony (Rishon-Lezion, IL)
Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
H02S40/34F16B1/00H02G3/08H02S20/00Y10T29/49947
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,199,560
App. No.
18/485,263
Granted
Jan 14, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.

Claims (31)

1. An apparatus comprising:

a junction box;

a fastener; and

a bracket;

wherein the bracket is configured to mount the junction box, and wherein the junction box is configured to electrically connect at least two photovoltaic panels; and

wherein the bracket and fastener are configured for clamping an edge or a frame of the at least two photovoltaic panels.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a plate, and wherein the plate is configured to clamp the bracket to the at least two photovoltaic panels.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the plate is configured to rotate relative to the bracket.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the junction box comprises a plurality of connectors configured to connect a plurality of leads of the at least two photovoltaic panels.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the junction box comprises a circuit board configured to implement a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter or a DC to DC converter.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the junction box comprises cables and cable glands for electrically connecting the junction box to a plurality of junction boxes.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising a spacer configured for mounting between the bracket and the at least two photovoltaic panels.

8. A system comprising:

at least two photovoltaic panels;

a mounting apparatus comprising:

a junction box;

a fastener; and

a bracket;

wherein the bracket is configured to mount the junction box,

wherein the bracket and fastener are configured to clamp an edge or a frame of the at least two photovoltaic panels; and

wherein the junction box is configured to electrically connect the at least two photovoltaic panels.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the junction box comprises a plurality of connectors configured to connect a plurality of leads of the at least two photovoltaic panels.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the junction box comprises cables and cable glands for electrically connecting the junction box to a plurality of junction boxes.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the fastener and the bracket are configured to clamp therebetween at least four photovoltaic panels, wherein the at least four photovoltaic panels comprise the at least two photovoltaic panels.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the at least two photovoltaic panels are adjacent.

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the junction box comprises a circuit board configured to implement a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter or a DC to DC converter.

14. The system of claim 8 , comprising a plurality of mounting apparatuses connected in series to produce an output voltage.

15. The system of claim 8 , comprising a plurality of mounting apparatuses connected in parallel to produce an output current.

16. The system of claim 8 , comprising an installation DC to AC inverter and a plurality of mounting apparatuses connected in series.

17. The system of claim 8 , wherein the junction box comprises a circuit board configured for monitoring of performance of the at least two photovoltaic panels.

18. The system of claim 8 , wherein the junction box comprises a circuit board configured to protect against theft of the at least two photovoltaic panels.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 24, 2024
From: SHMUKLER, VADIM; HANDELSMAN, LIOR; ARMONY, NIR
To: SOLAREDGE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
Reel/Frame 067815/0229 →
Continuity (11)
Continuation 17371552 · Jul 9, 2021
Continuation 16806017 · Mar 2, 2020
Continuation 16543676 · Aug 19, 2019
Continuation 16114701 · Aug 28, 2018
Continuation 15724965 · Oct 4, 2017
Continuation 15231218 · Aug 8, 2016
Continuation 14754875 · Jun 30, 2015
Continuation 14183566 · Feb 19, 2014
Continuation 12786894 · May 25, 2010
Provisional Application 61180912 · May 25, 2009
Related Publication 20240154571A1 · May 9, 2024
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